So this is a issue that so many women deal with and there are a variety of reasons why these damn things called ovarian cysts happen. Most research that I've found for general ovarian cysts, is oestrogen dominance (way too much oestrogen). I had 3 cysts within my uterus area including one on my right ovary, cervix and my fallopian tube. I had one rupture about 2 weekends ago and probably the most intensely painful experience I ever had!
The confusing thing about ovarian cysts is that there are different types and only a doctor or someone that can read an ultrasound can really determine which type there is. Things can get confusing for example, if you tell someone that you have an ovarian cyst and all of these other hormonal problems they often think polyiocystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) which yes, get ovarian cysts. Emphasis on the plural, I found with most of my friends that have PCOS, they typically have more than 10 cysts on one ovary. While some of my friends with endometriosis have one endometriomia and when they rupture, most women end up in the emergency room.
Let's go over some the different types of ovarian cysts.
1. Follicular Cysts (Functional Cysts)
If you remember, the follicular phase is the first phase of your cycle which is before ovulation. When our eggs are developing during this stage they are surrounded by a follicle. That follicle will rupture to release the egg to create ovulation however, when that follicle doesn't rupture it enlarges and thus causing a small cysts. Due to the fact that you didn't ovulate because the follicle didn't rupture, if you do bleed towards the end of your menstrual cycle this is known as an anovulatory cycle. Good for you, your body usually deals with this problem on it's own!
2. Luteinized Unruptured Follicle (Functional Cysts)
This is similar to the process of follicular cysts except for that other pieces to the ovulation goes on as normal, your progesterone levels rise and the corpus luteum is formed however, the egg is still stuck within the follicle causing no true ovulation to occur. Luckily, most of the time these resolve on their own!
3. Corpus Luteum Cyst (Functional Cysts)
So after the follicle releases the egg for ovulation, your ovulation continues on and the progesterone levels are rising! However, that follicle did not close off properly and fills with excess fluid or blood. Corpus Luteum cysts usually resolve themselves on their own.
4. Dermoid Cyst
These are a bit odd but they are common! So let's talk about them. A dermoid cyst usually occurs in someone between 20-40 years old and they are quite creepy looking saclike growths which can form structures such as skin, hair and teeth. They can grow anywhere in the body but most commonly on the ovaries. They are rarely cancerous and can cause problems if they continue to grow and that's why most doctors tend to remove them. Not because they can cause an issue to your health or fertility but more the fact that they can eventually cause pain.
5. Cystoma
Typically benign and they can grow 6-1 inches and cause ovarian torsion. These can be restrict ovulation by causing adhesions on the tissue surrounding the ovary. These will almost always be removed through surgery!
6. Endometrioma or 'Chocolate Cysts'
This is another annoying form of endometriosis, these are old blood filled cysts that can sit on the ovary, Fallopian tubes and bowel. Symptoms are very similar to those with endometriosis which sucks, I know. Now, when these rupture, they can cause a elevated white blood cell count with a low-grade fever. They are pretty devilish cysts. These are the kind that are often treated with surgery but can reoccur because of the endometriosis.
I want to talk about PCOS briefly because ovarian cysts are part of this too! It affects up to 10% of women and is a problem with ovulation and there are several women that I've met that have both endometriosis and PCOS. Meaning, it results in overproduction of androgens (male hormones), which the major one we know of is tester one. Some of the common symptoms include facial hair, weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, irregular periods, and even anovulatory cycles. It is often diagnosed via ultrasound where they will be able to find multiple small cysts on your ovaries. This is a really complex women's reproductive issue that I don't believe can be summed up in just a paragraph. I will do another post on this because there is quite a bit of information to cover!
I hope you learned a lot! If you have ever had a cyst that has caused you a crazy amount of issues, comment below! You may be helping someone else or if you have any questions, let me know!
Xoxo,
Moonli
Briden. Dr. L. (2018) Period Repair Manual. Australia: Sydney. Macmillan.
Weschler, T. (2015) Taking Charge of Your Fertility 20th Edition. United States: New York City. HarperCollins Publishers.
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